Awakening to Mercy – Friday, April 1, 2016 meditation by Richard Rohr

Her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love.
–Jesus (see Luke 7:47)

Jesus also said, “Those who show mercy will have mercy shown to them” (Matthew 5:7). For the flow to happen, there must be a full opening on both ends, receiving and giving, giving and receiving, just like the Trinity. When you do not know you need mercy and forgiveness yourself, you invariably become stingy in sharing it with others. So make sure you are always waiting with hands widely cupped under the waterfall of mercy.

Opening reflection chosen by Denise P.

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A live oak stands, its bark bearing signs: mushrooms and fern, death and resurrection. All held in one being.

How the trees open their branches, as outstretched arms, to carry what is!

Hands cupped, open to receive, so beautifully sculpted as “Happiness” in the children’s garden. I stood and wondered how else I could be open like that child. And then I walked to the Muses, stood at the water’s edge, and a black-brown-orange butterfly landed on my abdomen, and stayed. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, move to get my camera. After minutes, it flew off and returned, lighting on my right shoulder, and stayed a while. I received its gentle touch as mercy; now, how might I land so unexpectedly, gently, in my offering the delight of mercy?

Photos and reflection by Amy W.

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When I lived up North, I really missed the beauty of the dogwoods blooming in Spring! When I would come home to North Carolina during my Spring break, I would see these beauties in the woods driving from the airport and always got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I was so thankful for this gift of Mercy! Today wandering around Brookgreen and spotting dogwoods around almost every corner tucked in between the moss-covered live oaks or nestled in a swath of brilliant azaleas, I was reminded of the feelings I had before. The glory of God’s mercy was overwhelming and I was so thankful for the wonder of it all! GOD IS GOOD! 

Photos and reflection by Kay P.

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I began my walk with thoughts of the waterfall of mercy and also the significant transitions in my life. I entered the small garden with beautiful flowing water in the sculpture fountain and was reminded that mercy is forever flowing if we are open to it. The flowing water also made me think about the wonder of change — even in stressful times of transition — as the water changed and transformed every moment. 

The sky was gray today… with a few intermittent sprinkles of rain. Although this was not a day I would have probably chosen to walk in Brookgreen if Walking in Wonder had not been scheduled, I found myself amazed at the colors of the garden that danced and sang against the gray skies. What tremendous beauty was highlighted by the grayness and stillness!   

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.